Harrogate Town Council 1st May 2025

Our Local Candidates

Kevin Parker - New Park Ward

Kevin Parker - Reform Candidate for the ward of New Park in Harrogate

Harrogate has been my home for 20 years.

As the owner of a successful electrical business I work with local residents and know the challenges our town faces.

Through Reform I aim to champion policies that help businesses thrive and create local prosperity while ensuring government accountability.

Jacqueline Green - Saltergate Ward

Jacqueline Green - Reform UK candidate for the ward of Saltergate in Harrogate

I moved to Harrogate 13 years ago when Harrogate was still a lovely town.

So many shops and businesses have closed and/or left the area. Why, because the bills are too high, which has only been made worse by the last budget.

I want to see Harrogate thrive again and with local involvement we can do it.

Jonathan Swales - Pannal Ward

I’m Harrogate born and bred, from a family of local business owners.

I have broad commercial experience, an MBA from Leeds University and I like to get things done.

We have the skills to make our town the Jewel of North Yorkshire, we just need some leadership and passion to make it happen.

David Goodall - Bilton Woodfield Ward

David Goodall - Reform Candidate for the Ward of Bilton Woodfield in Harrogate

I worked initially in electrical engineering and financial services then as a Harrogate taxi driver for 13 years and am now a forklift truck driver.

I am with Reform because we need real change and a fresh approach.

If elected I will listen to you and pursue the issues that are important to Harrogate voters.

Dan Lupton - Harlow Ward

Dan Lupton - Reform Candidate for Harlow Ward, Harrogate

Born and educated locally, I ran a manufacturing company in Harrogate for 15 years before starting a property business.

I’m standing to protect and improve the town for all our residents.

I offer a commonsense, practical and logical approach and I will strive to get you value for your money.

Tracey De Wet - Duchy Ward

Candidate for local Reform UK election of Faifax ward in Harrogate. Candidate name: Tracey De Wet

I’m a small business owner and part-time therapist in Harrogate. I’m passionate about our town’s history and culture.

I am committed to preserving Harrogate’s unique character and green spaces like The Stray and Pinewoods areas.  We must improve the town centre for residents as well as supporting local businesses. I’m also dedicated to fostering growth and community spirit.

John Lawrence - Bilton Grange Ward

I am a family man, a retired solicitor with long experience in both private practice and Local Government having worked for an aggregate number of years as a consultant Locum in three former District Councils and York City Council.

I am a proud Yorkshireman, son of a coal miner, and equally proud 20 year plus resident of our wonderful town. My goal is to ensure that Harrogate will always be the gem at the heart of North Yorkshire and I see REFORM as the driver supporting that goal.

David Hartley - Oatlands Ward

David Hartley - Oatlands Ward​ candidate for Reform UK local elections in Harrogate

My family has lived in and around Harrogate for over 50 years.  I am a small business owner and am involved in the running of a couple of local charities. 

With a common-sense approach, I aim to support policies that protect our local businesses, our culture and our family values.   

Chris Gelber - Coppice Ward

Chris Gelber - Local candidate for Reform UK in Harrogate for the Coppice Ward

I have been a commercial lawyer for a long time and Harrogate has been my home for 16 years. I have seen many changes in that time – some good, some not so much.

I care deeply about this area and want to contribute to making Harrogate more attractive, a bit more liveable and getting around easier for all residents.

Paul Hartness - Valley Gardens Ward

Paul Hartness - Reform UK candidate for local ward of Valley Gardens in Harrogate

I’m a small business owner and self-employed software developer living and working in Harrogate, which I’m proud to call my home for the last decade.

We need the new Town Council to represent all Harrogate residents needs and to work hard to retain the unique qualities of our beautiful town.   It’s also clear that we need fresh eyes and new people on the council, we can’t expect those who created the situation in the first place to fix it.  We also urgently need a town plan to stop overdeveloping the greenbelt.

Ian Hardcastle - Kingsley Ward

Ian Hardcastle - Reform UK candidate for the local ward of Kingsley in Harrogate.

Born and raised in Harrogate, I’ve lived here my whole life. With many years experience working as an IT consultant supporting local businesses in both the public and private sectors, I know what residents and businesses need.

I’m standing to be a town Councillor with Reform UK to help bring back common sense to this country and make Britain great again.

Sheila Brown - Old Bilton Ward

Sheila Brown - Reform UK candidate for the local ward of Old Bilton in Harrogate

I ran a local authority fostering team, then I worked for MEP’s in the European Parliament. I believe we can bring common sense and care to local politics.

We have been let down by our politicians, both locally and nationally, please vote for me to get our town council and our country back.

Helen Swales - Central Ward

Helen Swales - Reform UK local candidate for the Central ward of Harrogate.

I am a retired Art & Design teacher and have also volunteered for over 10 years with students who have learning differences.

Having lived in Harrogate for 40 years I want to see real change and challenge the existing policies which are not in the interest of our communities. We should decide what our money is being spent on and not the other way around.

Christine Ford - St Georges Ward

I was raised in Harrogate and worked for the United Nations in Geneva before returning home 15 years ago.

I love our town and I also see the challenges we face including housing, spiraling bills for both residents and businesses and an urgent need for high quality local jobs .  I also want to improve Harrogate’s environment for all residents and believe we need fresh eyes on the issues the town faces.

Peter De Wet - High Harrogate Ward

Peter De-Wet, Reform UK candidate for the High Harrogate ward in Harrogate

I am a small business owner who is proud to call Harrogate my family home. It’s clear to me that we need the new Town Council to represent Harrogate residents needs and we need fresh eyes and new people on the council.

We can’t expect those who created the problems to solve them for us.

Tony Brown - Starbeck Ward

Tony Brown - Reform UK candidate for the local Harrogate ward of Starbeck

I’m a business and policy advisor with 12 years experience as a local Councillor. Bundling Harrogate into North Yorkshire is a major setback. Our independence and assets have been taken and we need them back.

I will use my expertise to make life easier for Starbeck residents and to help local businesses prosper.

Bob Frendt - Fairfax Ward

I was an international coach driver and a Class 1 HGV driver before I started my own business prior to retirement.  I’ve never been busier with my charity and voluntary work, fundraising and driving urgently needed medical aid to Ukraine and two fire engines, as featured on the BBC.  I’m now standing for Reform to help save our country.

Jack Smithson - Stray Ward

I’m a local small business owner running dog training and obedience businesses with a background in the building trade.  I understand the concerns of local residents and entered politics because I’m passionate about Britain.  I believe Reform UK offers the common-sense change we urgently need.  I will represent Stray ward with honesty, energy and by putting local people first.

Reform UK Harrogate and Knaresborough